Up Hatherley Parish Council

Autumn update

By Sarah BamfordUp Hatherley Parish Council

During August, The Village Hall has been having a bit of a facelift and, having had the blow of losing the Elfin pre School Nursery, we are delighted to be taking bookings from organisations starting new sessions in the hall. If you would like to enquire about booking the hall or see what facilities we have to offer, please contact Caleb Oakey on 07403 582472.

One of the big advantages of living in Up Hatherley is to be close to shops and community facilities but also with good access to the countryside. Deer can often be spotted in the field at the end of Sunnyfield Lane and in the fields off Chargrove Lane. If you have not been lucky enough to spot them, here are some pictures taken last year. If you have any pictures you would like to share, please let me know.

When we last carried out a Parish survey, one of the areas that residents commented on was the need to improve recreational facilities. We are fortunate to have the Wednesday morning health walks starting at The Hatherley at 10.30 am. These walks are a great way to take some light exercise and enjoy the area we live in, with benefits to mental as well as physical wellbeing. They are for all abilities, take 45 to 60 minutes and finish with some light refreshments. At its September meeting, the Parish Council agreed to commit funds for the installation of outdoor exercise equipment for adults to use in Caernarvon Park. As plans take shape we will keep you posted – but this sort of installation has been a great success around the country – there will be a variety of dynamic equipment including one set suitable for people in wheelchairs.

There are other projects in development where the Parish Council is working collaboratively to improve community life: working with Shurdington Parish Council to restore Chargrove Lane nature reserve to its former glory, supporting the Church in its Heritage/Peoples’ History project and exploring the potential for a project connecting Lakeside School pupils with the Parish Council. More on these topics in the months to come…